No. 1 Seed Florida Gators Dominate Norfolk State in NCAA Opener
The Gators achieve a commanding 95-69 victory and set their sights on the next round.
RALEIGH, N.C. — The Florida Gators, ranked number one in their region, kicked off their journey in the 2025 NCAA Tournament on March 21, 2025, with an impressive 95-69 victory over the Norfolk State Spartans. From the start, Florida showcased its dominance, racing to a 32-point lead in the first half and maintaining a comfortable margin throughout the game.
Walter Clayton Jr. led the Gators with a stellar performance, scoring 23 points. Close behind him, senior guard Alijah Martin added 17 points, while Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh contributed 12 and 13 points respectively. With four Gators finishing in double figures, it was clear that the team was firing on all cylinders as they delivered a solid postseason performance.
The Gators were especially efficient from beyond the arc, making 10 three-pointers compared to just one from Norfolk State, who struggled with a mere 8% shooting percentage (1-for-12). Even though the Spartans found some success in the paint, outscoring Florida 40-28 in that area, they simply couldn’t match the Gators’ long-range shooting accuracy.
As the game progressed, Florida maintained a lead of over 20 points for most of the second period. The halftime score reflected their control, with Florida leading 53-32 after the Spartans managed to close the half with an 11-0 run.
Despite the momentum Norfolk State tried to build, Florida continued to pull away, solidifying their reputation as a contender in this year's tournament. As they headed into the final minutes of the game, updates echoed their performance: Florida was dominating not just the score, but also the game's rhythm.
Florida’s teamwork was evident, as they had a 20-10 advantage on the boards and enjoyed a staggering 13-0 edge in points off turnovers. With the Gators shooting at an impressive 50% for the game and successfully limiting the Spartans to just 42%, Florida made a strong case for their title aspirations.
In the closing moments, the score stood at 89-63, with Florida demonstrating their depth and versatility on the court. Notably, Alex Condon played a pivotal role in the second half, scoring nine of his 11 points after the break, showcasing how important contributions from the bench can be in high-stakes matches.
Looking ahead, the Gators will face the winner of the matchup between UConn (8) and Oklahoma (9) next, set for March 23, 2025. With the momentum from this resounding victory, the Gators are hoping to maintain their strong performance as they progress deeper into the tournament.
As the excitement of March Madness continues to unfold, Florida’s win illustrates the unpredictable nature of tournament play and the potential for upsets in the coming rounds. With their sights set firmly on a championship, fans can expect further thrilling performances from this talented Gators squad.
